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8 Unbelievable Health Benefits of Rhododendron

The petals are natural painkillers. One of the best examples of this is the amazing health benefits of the rhododendron flower.

The national flower of Nepal and the state flower of Himachal Pradesh in India, the flower is not only an attraction in springtime but a natural cure for diarrhea, inflammations, headaches, and bacterial and fungal infections.

According to WHO (2000), about 65% of the global population utilizes the medicinal properties of the plant for treatment and up to 80% of the Indian population uses it for curing several diseases.

Rhododendron flowers

Traditionally, rhododendron flowers are used to make dried powders, pastes, pickles, and chutneys (dips mixed with mint leaves, salt, and anardana).

A mine of phytochemicals, the health benefits of Rhododendron are due to its antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, especially the Rhododendron honey.

Depending on the season you might get your hands on a drink made from this legendary stock, it’s mostly made in small batches and is available for a limited time only. To know more about it, please Click Here.

For ages, the homeopathic medicine system use rhododendron flowers and leaves to make medicines to cure various diseases. To know what wonders it does to your body, read on:

1. A Natural Pain Killer

Applying the leave paste of the rhododendron tree on the forehead cures the headaches. On top of that, the paste is used as a poultice on wounds and inflamed skin due to its potent astringent properties.

And juice extract from the flowers of the tree helps relieve stomach aches. Animal studies found that rhododendron extracts pacify stimuli of pain in rats.

2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Numerous homeopathic and Ayurveda medicines utilize rhododendron petals and leave them to cure inflammations, especially gout, arthritis, and bronchitis.

Packed with phytochemicals such as saponin, flavonoid, tannins, and more, the plant extract soothes inflammation immediately.

Moreover, rhododendron flowers contain two anti-inflammatory chemicals ‘Quercetin’ and ‘Rutin’. Where quercetin provides effective relief from inflammation in the kidney, prostate and urinary bladder and Rutin treats mouth ulcers, gastrointestinal tract infections, and osteoarthritis.

3. Heart-Healthy Petals

The juice of rhododendron flowers lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Its antioxidant properties reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Quercetin is highly effective in treating hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other factors leading to heart ailments. Whereas Rutin prevents the formation of blood clots increasing the chances of a heart attack.

Know more about Rhododendron Chutney (Buransh)

4. Anti-Diabetic Properties

Rhododendron’s petals contain an antioxidant ‘hyper in’ that inhibits action of various glucose enzymes, causing a drop in blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

In an animal study on rats with diabetes mellitus, Rhododendron honey effectively helped in lowering blood glucose and lipid levels.

In fact, rhododendron honey (also known as wild, mad, and toxic honey) is being used since ancient times to treat several disorders. However, beware that it’s may be toxic because an excess of this honey can cause vertigo and arterial hypotension.

5. Antimicrobial Properties

Rhododendrons contain bioactive steroids and phytochemicals that have antimicrobial properties. Lab studies of the flowers concluded their effectiveness against different strains of bacteria.

Moreover, it contains two powerful flavonoids ‘Quercetin’ and ‘P-coumaric’ that maintain healthy gut flora against the foreign microbial activity.

6. Boosts Immunity

Locals consume rhododendron petals as it strengthens their immune response preventing allergic responses due to changes in weather. They experience a lower risk of asthma, allergies, hives, and hay fever, thanks again to Quercetin.

Moreover, if you mix these dried leaves with tobacco and inhale the smoke, it helps cure respiratory diseases naturally.

Blooming Rhododendron
Processing Rhododendron petals
Petals
Benefits of Rhododendron flowers

7. Liver-Healthy

Used in Ayurveda medicine as a liver tonic, it reduces the risk of liver damage. The hepatoprotective properties of rhododendron flowers comes from Quercetin and other phytochemicals which have powerful antioxidant properties.

Have a look at Rhododendron Squash (Buransh ka Sharbat)

8. Prevents Cancer

Quercetin and Rutin in rhododendron prevent oxidative damage to normal cells that leads to mutation and then cancer. Moreover, these antioxidants also inhibit the growth of existing cancer cells and, ultimately, lower the risk of cancer.

Final Verdict

The ayurvedic medicine system has been using rhododendron flowers since ancient times to make medicine. But nowadays, several studies are being done proving the benefits of these seasonal flowers that are not just a treat for the eyes but for the body too.

They make amazing Chutnies out of it in the Himalayas, one of the variants made from fresh batches every year is listed on Masala Monk’s store, availability might vary on stock, to check the current status, Click Here.

Interested in a drink made out of Rhodo – Click Here.

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6 Benefits of Galgal (Hill lemon)

Galgal (Hill lemon), native to Eastern Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand in India & Nepal are large fragrant lemons commonly used in Indian curries and traditional medicines.

Galgal is one of the three earliest citrus species from which other citrus varieties were developed through natural or artificial hybridization.

Not only is the hill lemon beneficial for our health, but its nutritious thick rind is also used for medicinal purposes.

Interestingly, Galgal (also known as khatta or hill lemon) can withstand as much as 25 F temperature. Moreover, these pulpy Hill lemons are highly acidic and minimal in sugar content.

Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using citrus fruits like Galgal & Lemon:


Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Pineapple & Kairi Panna
StreetStyle Lemon Pickle – Neembu ka Khatta Achar
Lemon Pickle #MomMade
Cape Gooseberry and Mint Jam
Amla Sharbat – Suncooked and 100% Natural
Homemade Authentic Gingerale
Kokum Sharbat – Homemade and 100% Natural

If you are unsure about adding Galgal to your food, read on to know the amazing benefits of hill lemons:

1. Promotes Cardiac Health

Being a good source of vitamin C, Galgal or citrus lowers the risk of heart strokes.

Intake of a commonly-found lemon fulfills 51% of your daily vitamin C need. In comparison, Galgal has a higher concentration of vitamin C.

Research has shown that adding vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C to your diet greatly reduces the risk of heart disease.

In addition to vitamin C, Galgal lemons have high fiber and potassium content that also play a role in lowering the risk of heart attacks

2. Helps With Weight Loss

Lemons are commonly used in weight-loss diets. One of the reasons is a higher concentration of pectin fiber that expands in the stomach to give you a fuller feeling for a long.

However, pectic isn’t found in lemon juice but in lemon pulp and rind. Galgal lemons have thicker rinds that are rich in pectin.

A study conducted on mice following a flattening diet were given polyphenol extracts from lemon peels. The mice gained minimal weight compared to the other mice group.

Thus, Galgal rinds are effective in promoting faster weight loss.

Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using citrus fruits like Galgal & Lemon:


Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Pineapple & Kairi Panna
StreetStyle Lemon Pickle – Neembu ka Khatta Achar
Lemon Pickle #MomMade
Cape Gooseberry and Mint Jam
Amla Sharbat – Suncooked and 100% Natural
Homemade Authentic Gingerale
Kokum Sharbat – Homemade and 100% Natural

3. Prevents Anaemia

Vegans are often anaemic because our blood easily absorbs iron (heme iron) from chicken, meat, and fish, but doesn’t absorb iron (non-heme) from plant foods properly. Adding vitamin C and citric acids to your diet promotes easy absorption of Iron.

Therefore, Galgal, rich in vitamin C and citric acid, prevents anaemia by increasing iron absorption from plant-based foods.

Therefore, Indian households who use Galgal along with vegan foods are less likely to suffer from anaemia.

4. Improves Digestive Health

Galgal contain only about 10% carbs, mostly as simple sugars or soluble fiber.

They are a rich source of pectin, a soluble fiber responsible for several health benefits. It not only improves gut health but also slows down the digestion of starch and sugar, which leads to low blood sugar levels.

However, most of this fiber is present in the pulp rather than in Galgal juice.

5. Lower Risk of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed due to the crystallization of waste products that build up in your kidneys. People who get kidney stones once often get them frequently.

The citric acid present in Galgal helps in preventing kidney stones by increasing urine pH and volume. It reduces the chances of formation of kidney stones due to continual washing out of kidneys.

Surprisingly, only about ½ cup of Galgal juice a day can considerably lower the risk of kidney stone formation.

Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using citrus fruits like Galgal & Lemon:


Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Pineapple & Kairi Panna
StreetStyle Lemon Pickle – Neembu ka Khatta Achar
Lemon Pickle #MomMade
Cape Gooseberry and Mint Jam
Amla Sharbat – Suncooked and 100% Natural
Homemade Authentic Gingerale
Kokum Sharbat – Homemade and 100% Natural

6. Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Hill lemons are a rich source of flavonoids, especially carotenoids. These phytonutrients are anti-inflammatory and protect the cells against oxidative stress and cell damage that leads to cancer.

Galgal lemons are full of antioxidants to prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and age-related cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Galgal (Hill Lemon)

How to use Galgal at Home?

In Uttarakhand, the Galgal pulp is added in salads (mixed with chutney of mustard leaves) with a little seasoning and smoked effect.

Its juicy pulp is also used to make concentrates known as ‘chukh’ when fresh hill lemons aren’t available. Galgal is most commonly used to make murabba or pickles for its thick rind.

Final Verdict

Galgal lemons are rich in nutrient and adding it to your diet promotes heart health, cognitive health, and kidney health. Unlike limes, these large-sized lemons are a richer source of vitamin C, citric acids, pectin, and phytonutrients.

5 Benefits of Lemon During Pregnancy, click here

For 6 Surprising Benefits of Gulkand for Skin, click here

Read 6 Benefits of Fennel Seeds (Saunf), click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Please do have a look of our wide variety of products prepared using citrus fruits like Galgal & Lemon:


Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Pineapple & Kairi Panna
StreetStyle Lemon Pickle – Neembu ka Khatta Achar
Lemon Pickle #MomMade
Cape Gooseberry and Mint Jam
Amla Sharbat – Suncooked and 100% Natural
Homemade Authentic Gingerale
Kokum Sharbat – Homemade and 100% Natural

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7 Benefits of Bay Leaf during Pregnancy

Bay Leaf or sweet bay is an herbal leaf.

It is used to make medicines. Popularly known as ‘bay laurel’, the herb was used by Greeks for crowning heroes with bay leaf wreaths. The award of the ‘sweet bay leaves’ can only be useful for few people. So, let’s find out how beneficial is the consumption of bay leaf during pregnancy?

Bay leaves are full of antioxidants, iron, and potassium, which are heart healthy. Moreover, their historical use speaks a lot about their antioxidant, anti-fungal, and healing properties.

Bay leaves are well-known for treating cancer, stomach issues, diabetes, pain, and much more. Most of all, they have a sedative effect that may cause excessive drowsiness.

Let’s dive into the benefits of bay leaves and how to use bay leaves during pregnancy:

1. Lowers Blood Sugar Level

Early research concludes that adding a ground bay leaf to your diet twice a day alongside diabetes medicine helps in reducing blood sugar levels before meals.

2. Improves Cholesterol

Patients having abnormally high cholesterol or blood fat level (dyslipidemia) benefit from bay leaf tea. The research concluded that having bay leaves tea for 10 days may help improve good cholesterol levels (HDL or high-density lipoprotein).

However, there is no evidence if bay leaves improve the other lipid levels.

Bay Leaf Tree

3. Prevent Kidney Diseases

Bay leaves are good for kidney health. Studies have shown that bay leaves prevent kidney stones and other kidney issues. The study revealed that bay leaf helps in the reduction of urease in the body and possibly helps in toxin removal as well as ease urination.

4. Good for Stomach Health

Bay leaf tea has a positive effect on the stomach. The organic compounds of sweet bay leaf relieve an upset stomach.
In fact, a cup of bay leaf tea is great for relieving flatulence, intestinal discomfort, and abdominal cramps.

5. Promotes Sleep

Bay leaves contain sedative compounds that promote relaxation and drowsiness. Bay leaf tea is an excellent natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep problems.

Therefore, taking bay leaf tea an hour or two before going to bed may help you enjoy a restful sleep.

However, if the bay leaf is taken along with sleep-inducing medicines, it can cause over-drowsiness and extra sleepiness.

6. Relieve Anxiety

Cinnamon and bay leaf tea acts as a natural treatment to relieve anxiety and stress. The ingredients leave a mildly soothing and calming effect on the nervous system.

7. Good for Skin

Ground bay leaf treats acne, inflammation, and other skin irritations. It is also one of the well-known natural remedy for treatment of boils, dandruff, etc.

Although bay leaf has incredible benefits, there is a lack of research and evidence on the health benefits of bay leaf.

How to Add Bay Leaves to Your Diet?

In general, bay leaf, as well as bay leaf oil, is quite safe to add to food. Ground bay leaf is also safe if taken in moderate amounts. Mostly bay leaf is cooked as a whole for adding a little flavor to cuisines and teas, which is very safe.

However, taking bay leaf as a whole is very unsafe as it cannot be digested. The leaf cannot be digested, therefore, it can possibly get stuck in the throat or pierce the intestinal lining.

Bay leaves during pregnancy

Is it Safe to Eat Bay Leaf During Pregnancy?

Bay leaf is heart-healthy, great for digestion, and reducing stress. Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy can cause a lot of emotional stress.

Pertaining to the use of bay leaves in cooking is safe during pregnancy. However, bay leaves shouldn’t be taken as an herbal supplement due to their several possible side effects. Moreover, there isn’t any scientific data on the benefits of the use of bay leaf during pregnancy, so it’s better to avoid it.

Eating bay leaf as a whole is unsafe during pregnancy or otherwise. The leaf is indigestible and passes through the digestive lining intact. It can get lodged in the throat or cause piercing in the intestinal linings.

How Many Bay Leaves Should I Use?

If you really want to add bay leaves to your diet, it’s best to use only about 2 to 3 bay leaves. Otherwise, its taste can overtake the entire dish.

Cinnamon and bay leaf tea benefit in terms of their soothing and relaxing effect. You can also use a cinnamon and bay leaf tea for pregnancy after consulting your doctor.

Final Verdict

There is not enough research on the benefits of bay leaf for pregnant or breastfeeding moms. It’s best to take bay leaf tea after consulting your doctor.

Apart from that, Bay leaf might interfere with blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Moreover, bay leaf can also slow down your brain functions, which if combined with sleep medicines or anesthesia during surgery, can prolong recovery and the healing process.

—————————————- Also Check Out ————————————-

To know how Bay Leaf can be used and to see some examples of food products that are made using it, Click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

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5 Benefits of Jaggery for Skin

Jaggery is not just for the kitchen. Your skin can also benefit from jaggery. The health benefits of jaggery include its antioxidants and many different nutrients, which help fight free radicals and slow the aging process. The use of jaggery for skin care and hair care have led to many secret ingredients that we would have never thought of in the past. This is good, since natural remedies, as well as home remedies, always surpass modern cosmetic solutions in terms of durability and effectiveness.

The jaggery or gur popularly known as ‘medicinal sugar’ can be beneficial when it comes to treating infections. In addition to being your first resort for overall wellness, you can use jaggery, the pure unrefined sugar as a substitute for your dessert.

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

There are a lot of countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere that use jaggery as a sweetener. Various cultures have been using sugar for different purposes for thousands of years, but the earliest form of indigenous jaggery can be found among India’s Indus Valley Civilization (3200 BC – 1700 BC). It is a type of non-centrifugal cane sugar that is consumed in the Indian subcontinent. It is made by concentrating freshly extracted sugarcane juice to form a sticky, viscous liquid with hints of caramel flavor in the background.

Traditionally, jaggery concentrated form of sugarcane syrup or date or palm sap with molasses and crystals which is golden brown to dark brown in color. They are solid or semi-solid in form and contains 20% moisture content.

Sugarcane for jaggery
Jaggery – Crystals & Powdered
Date Palm for jaggery

Top 5 Beauty Benefits of Jaggery

Jaggery is a 100% natural ingredient without any side effects. Below are 5 ways it can be beneficial for your skin:

1.    Treats acne and pimples

A tasty way to stay young and beautiful is to drink jaggery, the cousin of sugar. You can reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne, and pimples by consuming a medium-sized ball of jaggery every day. Moreover, jaggery can also prevent impurities from accumulating and can give you blemish-free skin. Overall, it’s a good treatment for many skin problems.

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

2.    Prevent hair loss

Iron in jaggery helps prevent hair loss. Having enough iron in your body stimulates the production of hemoglobin, which, in turn, promotes better blood circulation to the roots of your scalp, reducing hair fall and promoting hair growth. Jaggery’s iron content also makes hair smooth and shiny when used as a hair mask.

The average amount of hair that grows per month is an inch. deficiency of iron can slow this growth. As gur contains significant amounts of iron, regular consumption of jaggery promotes hair growth. If you want to see the difference, you should do it every week.

3.    Reduces skin wrinkles

The anti-aging properties of jaggery helps to prevent wrinkles. Sesame seeds and essential herbs are often mixed in jaggery to treat premature aging in Ayurveda. With its antioxidant properties (selenium found in jaggery), jaggery fights free radicals in the body and helps delay the aging process. In addition to protecting the cells from aging, jaggery contains other essential nutrients that are effective against many age-related ailments.

4.    Moisturizes skin

The moisturizing effects of jaggery are attributed to glycolic acid. All you need to do is make a paste of two teaspoons of honey, lemon juice, and a tablespoon of jaggery. You can apply the mixture to your face and let it dry. Once it has dried, rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

5.    Acts as natural cleanser

Jaggery contains a range of minerals and vitamins that act as a natural cleanser for your skin and body. It removes toxins from your body and keeps it glowing, hydrated and healthy. Due to its high antioxidant content, it helps remove harmful toxins and impurities from the blood, giving the skin a radiant appearance.

Jaggery

Final verdict

In addition to its health benefits, jaggery offers beauty benefits. It adds up a lot of benefits to your skin. With the bundle of nutrients and medicinal properties, it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Jaggery is cheaper and easily available in the supermarkets near you. So, feed your sugar craving by replacing sugar with jaggery to add sweetness to your skin and health.

7 Benefits of Jaggery (Gur), click here

For benefits of Amla for Hair, click here

Read 5 Benefits of Apple for the Skin, click here

4 Benefits of Cinnamon for Weight Loss, click here

eos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Please do have a look at our collection of products prepared using Jaggery:

Gur Mirch Pickle-Sweetness for the Bravehearts
Galgal-Gur Pickle (Khatte ka achaar)
Amla ki Khatti Meethi Launji
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Homemade Khatta Aampapad
Homemade Meetha Aam Papad

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Top 5 Gulab Jamun Recipes on Internet

MM Blog_Gulab Jamun

In Indian culinary culture, a festival, or celebration, or even a small family dinner/meal is incomplete without sweets. A traditional Indian sweet dish holds that charm to make most of us go weak on our knees. If Indians are asked to pick one of their favorite sweet dishes, the dessert that will top the list and be picked by many will be “Gulab Jamun” – the fried milk-solid balls soaked in sugar syrup. It is irreplaceable, adds sweetness and soul to celebrations be it birthdays or marriage ceremonies. No one is ever too full for these sweet delicious delights.

Gulab Jamun lay its origin in Persia and the Mediterranean. But it was the Mughal who brought this dessert to India during the reign of Babur in the 16th century. The word “Gulab jamun” is derived from the Persian word ‘gol (flower)’ and ‘ab (water)’ which referred to rose water-scented syrup. The other word ‘Jamun’ is a dark purple Indian fruit/berry. It is commonly known as ‘Black Plum’ which is almost of the same shape and size.

Being served hot during winters and top it up with kulfi during summer Gulab Jamun has finds its way to reach everyone’s plate. But do you know that the delicious these sugar syrup balls are, the easier it is to make them at your home? Yes, you can make them in your kitchen in no time.

Let’s dive into the top 5 quick, easy and tasty recipes on the internet to make Gulab jamun at home. Also, keeping in mind your busy lifestyle, all the recipes listed below describe the stepwise process to make Gulab Jamun with Khoya as well as with milk powder.

  1. Swasthi’s Recipes

Swasthi recipes shares both the ways of making Gulab Jamun. Preparing it in an old traditional way with khoya, and with milk powder. If you do not want to toil up in the process of long making khoya at home just use milk powder instead. About the preparation of sugar syrup, Swasthi’s recipe kept it simple by adding just sugar and cardamom. It provides just the perfect flavor to the milk solid fried balls.

Image: Swasthi’s recipe
  1. Dassana’s Veg Recipes

Dassana’s veg recipes, process of making Gulab jamun is different and interesting. They add grated paneer, fine Rava (semolina) and cardamom powder to the khoya while kneading the dough. They also add some rose water to the sugar syrup to provide a delightful fragrance and flavor to it.

Dassana's recipe
Image: Dassana’s recipe
  1. Hebbar’s Kitchen

Hebber’s kitchen recipe talks about the preparation of Gulab jamun with milk powder. They add desi ghee and milk to the flour while kneading the dough. Adding ghee and milk to the flour keeps the dough moist and helps in making round smooth balls. Hebber’s kitchen recipe makes the sugar syrup more relishing by adding sugar, cardamom, rose water and few strands of saffron to it. All these ingredients provides the perfect flavor and fragrance to it. They also add lemon juice to the sugar syrup to prevent it from crystallizing.

Image: Hebber’s kitchen
  1. Food Viva

Food Viva also lists both the ways of making Gulab Jamun, with khoya and with milk powder. Also, they drench their soft, spongy balls in delicately flavored sugar syrup prepared from sugar, cardamom, rose water, and few strands of saffron.

Image: Foodviva
  1. NDTV Food

NDTV food keeps it simple to make the dough. They prepare the milk solid balls by mixing khoya, Maida, and baking soda. Regarding sugar syrup, they adds sugar, milk, cardamom seeds, and powder with few strands of saffron to it. The ingredients above fills the milk solid balls with perfect sweetness and fragrance.

Image: NDTV Foods

All the above-listed recipes are easy, quick, and simple to make at home in no time with basic ingredients. And, if you still get stuck somewhere in these recipes most of them have already provided the FAQs, Pro-tips, and do’s & don’ts to follow.

Why wait for a celebration or occasion to dive into the sweetness of Gulab Jamun. Just choose your favorite recipe to prepare at home and serve it hot at your dinner table. So, what are you waiting for, let you and your loved ones delve into this culinary masterpiece and relish the sweetness and goodness of Gulab jamun.

Check out our more Blogs on:

7 Benefits of Almonds during Pregnancy, click here

Benefits of Almonds, click here

For Benefits of Gulkand during Pregnancy, click here